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Handbags at Dawn on Christmas Morn – When Gifts Go Bad

28 November 2008

The dark days of January are setting in and it's time to take all those unwanted Christmas gifts to the charity shop. Your copy of 'Learn to belly-dance in 3 easy steps' just has to go, especially considering you're 3 months pregnant. That hideous chunky multicoloured sweater has no place in your wardrobe and you might just have to get rid of that set of eggcups in the shape of chickens - well it just doesn't go with your trendy new stainless steel kitchen. Why is it that people buy their Christmas gifts with such lack of thought about how they will be received? Well, it's mainly down to panic buying, as we follow the frantic crowds on Christmas Eve grabbing whatever we can, just so we don't lose face.

Getting it right is all about planning in advance, as early as November! Observe the things they like, the type of accessories they wear, the type of books they read, the music they listen to. There has never been more variety of items on sale in our shops and there really is no excuse for the Christmas gift faux pas of the past!

If you're still in need of a little guidance, take heed of the following tips:

1. Steer clear of large boxes of chocolates. When wrapped up, they hold so much promise... your loved one will imagine you have really splashed out, and judging by the size of the box will fantasies that you've bought them an item from the top of their wish list, only to unwrap the parcel on Christmas morning to find, well... a box of chocolates.
2. Try not to be too practical. Whilst your friend may be in need of gardening gloves, it's perhaps not the most exciting surprise for Christmas morning. And you may feel your relative will appreciate a brand new stainless steel bin, but rubbish storage solutions do not always make the greatest Christmas gifts.
3. Avoid giving gift vouchers for shops where you want to shop yourself! If you are buying a gift voucher, make sure it's for their favourite store and remember that preferences change - what may have been their favourite store last year may not be their favourite this year.
4. Be especially careful when buying Christmas gifts for teenagers. You know how heavily influenced they are by the follies of fashion that you won't be that sensitive to. They're sure to have all the latest crazes anyway, and ipods and Wiis are so last year...
5. Think twice before you splash out on the novelty items. Fondue sets, sandwich toasters and foot spas all fall into this category; they may seem like a good buy in the heat of the Christmas rush, but be honest - do your friends really have room in their lives for gimmicks? They will surely end up relegated to the back of the cupboard taking up space until the next big garage sale.

There's a whole culture growing up around the art of discarding unwanted Christmas gifts, and the cost is nothing short of scandalous. Charity shops recoup the benefits, reporting a marked increase in donations in January; online auction websites see a surge of activity, whilst millions of Christmas gifts are simply hoarded. When you give your Christmas gifts, do consider including the receipt in the parcel just in case, and there's no need to take it personally if your gift is returned, the fact is, we can't always get it right.

Originality is the key, the ability to spot that special item that you know for a fact will thrill them and keep them smiling.
It could be a personalised photo gift, a lovely picnic hamper for you to share with your loved one when summer arrives, a classic game of Monopoly that a creative child can custom design himself, or a special memorabilia pack for an elderly relative to bring back all their memories of yesteryear. For the man or woman who has everything, a thrilling range of experience days can make the most exciting Christmas gifts of all. Treat her to an indulgent day of pampering at a luxury spa, or give him the chance to experience the adrenaline surge of a bungee jump.

So, coming back with a bump to handbags at dawn on Christmas morn, are they a good Christmas gift choice for a lady? Well yes, they really can be, but avoid those glitzy party handbags, as by Christmas Day the parties will be more or less over. Stick to a classic, smart everyday bag with plenty of room for all her bits and bobs, and you'll be well on your way to a winner.



Related article: What'll Santa drop down your chimney? (Christmas Gifts)
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